India to include green affordable housing as part of smart cities programme

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation plans to work closely with all the stakeholders in promoting Green Affordable Housing and with the State Governments in mapping the needs and requirements for affordable housing.

It is proposed to make affordable housing an integral part of smart cities.

Speaking at the CII-IGBC Green Building Congress 2014 here, Anita Agnihotri, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, said with increased urbanisation, there is a growing need to develop and promote housing structures which are not only affordable but also sustainable and scalable.

She said housing sector has a great multiplier effect in terms of proving employment and security. To make this happen, it is imperative to work closely with all the stakeholders. The Ministry would be pleased to work with IGBC and other stakeholders.

Prem C Jain, Chairman, IGBC, said India with over 2.2 billion Sq.ft is the second country in the world with largest green building footprint. Various types of buildings, including schools are going the green way. IGBC aspires that by the year 2032, every Indian should find his shelter in a green home, where there is increased quality of life, he said.

C Shekar Reddy, National President, CREDAI, highlighted the need to do away with no objection certificates (NOCs) and implement online registrations of building permissions. This will make the process transparent, simpler and facilitate rapid spread of the housing sector.